LYMM Rugby Club's first team, preparing for the new season at the higher Level 4 following promotion, were defeated 34-19 at Chester on Saturday.

This match was deemed a warm-up for the coming season, against near neighbours who have been playing at Level 4 for a number of years.

It would therefore serve as a good yardstick for the coaching team to assess the standard Lymm’s first team will be facing when the season commences for real on Saturday, September 3 against Wharfedale at Beechwood.

It also facilitated the trial of a number of positional combinations and a look at some new recruits to the squad.

Director of rugby Adam Fletcher said: "That was a good run-out for the lads and it gave us lots of food for thought.

"Much to work on but we’ll be ready for the new season when it starts in a couple of weeks."

The early exchanges were dominated by Chester, who showed slick handling and particularly good counter rucking technique on their artificial grass pitch.

With a significant wind behind them, Chester took the lead in the first quarter with a well-worked try.

However, Lymm, who came more into the game as the quarter played out, created a great try-scoring opportunity for left winger Paddy Jennings to cross wide out.

Full back Cormac Nolan expertly converted from the touchline into the teeth of the wind.

A converted try by Chester brought the quarter to a close at 12–7.

However, the second quarter saw centre and former colt Andy Williams cross the whitewash for another well worked try as Lymm were holding their ground during this period.

Particularly prominent was Cal Morris at scrum-half, who continuously pinned Chester back in their own half, with his raking kicks, despite the wind in his face.

The third quarter saw Chester begin to dominate, taking the lead once again through slick hands.

And then in the final quarter the hosts got on the front foot with a further three tries but right wing Jacob Mungai scored a consolation try, converted by Nolan.

Lymm (1 to 15): Joe Higgins, James Pitcher, Jordan Widdrington, Ali Sutherland, Levy Nzoungou, Sean Callender, Josh Hadland, Rhys Lilly, Cal Morris, James Kimber, Paddy Jennings, Ste Pilkington, Andy Williams, Nathan Beesley, Cormac Nolan: Reserves included: Sohail Kakie, Pan Stylianou, Nick Ashton, Danny Senior, Rory Cartlidge, Ryan Vandan, Quinn Peers , Ben Simpson, Jorge Reynolds, Andy Rowley, Jacob Mungai